Meet Dawson Skow, Daniel Stark Law’s Life Impact Analyst.
Dawson plays a vital role in helping clients who have suffered injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. His prior professional experience has been invaluable in guiding our clients through their recovery — both in and out of the courtroom.
Dawson transitioned to teaching after studying at Texas A&M University. Later, he spent over a decade working at his church, where he learned the importance of collaboration in crisis management and how important it is to look after your mental health after a tragedy. He applies this knowledge to each case, ensuring clients receive the care and support to heal and move forward.
As our Life Impact Analyst, Dawson assesses the impact of injuries on various aspects of our clients’ lives, including finances, relationships, transportation needs, and mental and emotional wellbeing. He spends time with our clients learning their unique stories, how their injuries have truly affected their lives and well-being, and what steps can be taken to aid in their recovery. All of this information not only helps us get full value for our clients’ injuries, but it helps them get their lives back to normal faster.
Here are some of the common mental health concerns our clients face, and the benefits of Dawson’s life impact reviews.
What are the common mental health challenges our clients face?
The most common challenge Dawson sees our clients face after a crash is driving anxiety. Clients may feel nervous even when loved ones are driving, and some may become reclusive, avoiding situations that require them to drive.
Driving anxiety can be debilitating and can often coexist with depression, general anxiety, and PTSD. Dawson encourages our clients to seek help from a counselor and begin therapy, which has helped many of our clients overcome their fears.
Dawson also notes that some clients experience self-criticism, loss of self-worth, and engage in self-destructive behavior. He strives to identify those in crisis and get them the help they need as soon as possible. These mental and emotional challenges can occur at any time after an injury, typically arising as clients deal with stress from insurance companies, chronic pain, and recovery periods.
The most extreme mental health symptoms tend to occur within the first six months after an injury, while many of our clients are undergoing treatment as they work towards settlement or litigation. These issues are of great concern to Dawson, and he works tirelessly to support our clients’ mental and emotional needs during this difficult time.
How are life impact reviews compiled?
Life impact reviews play a crucial role in assisting our clients and our attorneys in personal injury cases. Over the course of multiple sessions with each client, Dawson gathers comprehensive information about their experiences since their injury.
This information is then compiled into a detailed report that attorneys use to tell our clients’ unique stories and present evidence in court if needed. In addition to bolstering our clients’ cases, Dawson also helps our attorneys better understand our clients’ emotional needs.
Guiding individuals towards getting the help they need is the most rewarding aspect of Dawson’s job. Dawson assists our clients in referring them as needed to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
“Hearing about the progress a client has made after connecting them to a therapist or counselor is very gratifying, no matter how big or small that progress is,” said Dawson.
Dawson understands the importance of providing an empathetic ear during conversations that formulate our clients’ life impact review. He recognizes that many clients may feel uncomfortable sharing their personal challenges initially.
By prioritizing building rapport with clients, Dawson makes them feel comfortable before discussing personal issues or challenges they may be facing.
Why is prioritizing mental health crucial for injury recovery?
If you’ve been injured from someone else’s negligence, it is important to prioritize mental health as much as physical health. Your physical and mental well-being are interconnected, and receiving support for your mental health challenges is an integral part of your injury recovery.
“It’s essential not to let pride or fear prevent you from seeking the help you need. Mental health support impacts every aspect of your life,” says Dawson. “At times, we all need it, and there is no shame in getting help from a mental health professional.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues after an injury, reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor to get the help you deserve.
